Animal Names for Babies

Hippolyte is the name of an Amazonian princess AND her son, both unfortunate mythical figures. The name Hippolyte, later borne by several saints, is a not an uncommon boys' name in France, but has barely set foot on American soil and is unlikely to do so. It was the middle name of famed French playwright Jean Giraudoux.

This elegant surname has great potential to turn into an unusual first name, especially with its literary associations to both Stephen and Hart Crane.

Perky Cherokee boy name with a great meaning. Foxes symbolize cleverness and playfulness in Cherokee culture.

Panya is a multicultural possibility with a sound that's pleasing to the English-speaking ear, though the Swahili translation, which might also be "rat," makes it less than savory as an African name.

Cheasequah refers to the cardinal, associated with the sun in Cherokee culture.

Famous as the long-suffering wife of the philosopher Socrates.

An intriguing and rare name with a familiar sound, Artleus has been used by the Romani people as both a Latinized form of Arthur, and as a masculine form of Saint Arthelais, the patron saint of the exiled, the sick, and for kidnap victims. It could appeal to those who want an unusual form of the classic, or those who enjoy Atlas, Atticus, and Artemis.

If Abigail's too popular and Tabitha is too...."Bewitched."

Eachna is the name of an Irish goddess renowned for her beauty, brains and stylishness; in early legend, a Connacht princess named Eachna was deemed to be one of the loveliest and cleverest women int he world.

An (understandably) rare word name, Kite nevertheless has the sounds of two favorites — Kai and Kit. The word kite possibly derives from Proto-Indo-European roots and means "screech", however, it is better known as the name of a bird of prey and a toy designed to be flown in the wind. It might also be used to describe a fraudulent bill, cheque, or receipt.

Drover, an ancient occupational surname, is right in step with today's styles and would make a distinctive choice. Drover and brothers are fresh updates of such now-widely-used names as Carter and Cooper.

In the currently popular solid, serious, two-syllable mold.

A too-literal spin on Owen.

One of the rare English surname names originally derived from a female given name: Eoforhild (Everild), meaning "boar battle". Also spelled Averill, it's an extremely rare choice today, but shares sounds with fashionable Ava and Avery.

Strong Japanese unisex choice. Dragons are a symbol of power in Japan.

Lovely, international, tea-scented possibility undiscovered by baby names.

More commonly known as the Mongolian Gazelle, the Zeren is an antelope that lives on the steppes of central Asia.

Waya pays homage to the wolf — one of the most respected creatures in Native American culture.

Stuffy presidential choice: consider Hayes instead.

Baran is barely known in the US -- unless it's mistaken for royal moniker and Trump son name Baron -- but it might make a perfect choice for a boy born under the sign of Aries.